Read and Believe in Jesus.

“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27b

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REVIEW – After hearing about John the Baptist’s death, Jesus withdrew in a boat to a desolate place. But the needy crowds found Him there and came with their sick, lame, and possessed. Jesus set aside His grief for John and, with a compassionate heart, met the people’s needs. As evening neared, His disciples suggested sending the crowd away to get food in nearby villages. But Jesus miraculously fed them with one boy’s lunch.

Five thousand plus people were fed with only five barley loaves and two small fish, with enough leftovers for the disciples. Jesus sensed the groundswell of decision – to make Him king right then and hastily sent the disciples away in the boat while firmly dismissing the crowd.

THEN He went up into the hills for a time of prayer… until 3:00 in the morning, to be exact.

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Matthew 14:22-25.

Meanwhile, the disciples had been struggling against that always-contrary Sea of Galilee. After hours, they were barely halfway home, and tired of rowing “in place.”

Jesus finished praying, refreshed in His spirit, and “saw” them miles away, tired and discouraged. And like He does for us today, He went to them.

He just walked down that mountain, across the beach, onto the water, and out to their boat!

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Matthew 14:26-32.

As the disciples rowed against the wind and waves, with the bow of the boat behind them facing their destination, they faced the land where they’d left Jesus.

Who, I wonder, first saw “something” upright on the waves approaching them in the dark?

Who pointed and called out, “A GHOST!!!!”

Did they freeze in fear, or row faster in panic?

Jesus did not leave them to their terror. Immediately He called out, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid!”

Perhaps they believed; perhaps not. That VOICE! But… walking ON THE WATER???

Compulsive Peter called out, “Lord, if it IS You, command me to come to You on the water.”

“Come.”

Peter had asked, dared even, that the Lord, if it WAS the Lord, to bid him go to Him. Now it was up to Peter. Without much thought (as usual), Peter swung a leg over the side of the boat, transferred his weight outward, swung his other leg out and … stood on the water.

On top of the water.

Staring at Jesus, whose welcoming hand was outstretched toward His impulsive disciple, Peter took a step. Then two, three, five.

He was walking on the… WATER??? Peter looked down at the transparent path and began to sink.

“LORD, save me!”

The faith to dare, and the faith to call for help. A good example to us in our faith endeavors.

Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and took hold of Peter, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Together, they walked on the water back to the boat, which was filled with men whose mouths were agape in wonder. As soon as Jesus touched the side of the craft, the wind ceased and the water stilled. Peter scrambled in, and Jesus lightly sat and swung His legs inside with His men.

All who were in the boat turned and worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

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Matthew 14:34-36.

They came to shore at Gennesaret, at the widest point of the Sea on the west, about five miles south of Capernaum.

Nevertheless, the men of that place recognized Jesus and spread the news around the area. Soon all who were sick came and implored Him to but touch the fringe of His prayer shawl.

And as many who did so were made well.

What faith! Compare theirs to that of His hometown of Nazareth….